Prosthetic Vacuum Pump System with Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum suspension systems for prosthetic devices face challenges in providing consistent, efficient, and comfortable attachment to residual limbs, often resulting in discomfort, injury, and inefficiency due to unpredictable vacuum levels and user error in monitoring and regulating pressure.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum suspension system that utilizes sensors to monitor activity information and adjust vacuum levels dynamically, ensuring a secure fit during activity and a comfortable fit during inactivity, while also providing real-time feedback and improved accuracy through a control system that regulates pressure based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a mechanical pump is used to generate vacuum, then the system can utilize user movement to create negative pressure, but the vacuum level becomes unpredictable and inadequate due to inconsistent impact and displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with an electronic pump that can be precisely controlled by a microprocessor. This substitution allows for reliable and consistent vacuum generation independent of user movement variations, while still enabling energy-efficient operation through electronic control based on sensor feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system using sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, pressure sensor) that monitor user activity and socket pressure, then feed this information back to the microprocessor. The microprocessor adjusts the electronic pump operation accordingly, maintaining reliable vacuum levels while optimizing energy consumption based on actual user needs.
2Reliability
If an electronic pump is used to apply vacuum, then consistent negative pressure can be achieved, but the pump becomes bulky and significantly increases prosthetic weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation of the electronic pump through microprocessor control, which adjusts pump activation and intensity based on real-time sensor data from user activity. This allows the system to use a smaller, lighter electronic pump that only operates when and as needed, rather than requiring a continuously running bulky pump, thus reducing overall prosthetic weight while maintaining reliable vacuum consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (pump activation timing, duration, and intensity) based on sensor feedback from user activity levels. This allows optimization of the electronic pump size and power consumption, reducing the weight burden on the user while maintaining consistent vacuum levels when needed.
3Ease of operation
If users manually monitor and regulate vacuum with a dial pressure gauge, then vacuum levels can be adjusted, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating system where the microprocessor automatically monitors socket pressure via sensors and controls the electronic pump to maintain optimal vacuum levels without user intervention. The system self-adjusts based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for users to manually monitor and adjust vacuum, thus saving time and reducing labor while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses continuous feedback from pressure sensors and activity sensors to automatically regulate vacuum levels. The microprocessor processes sensor data and adjusts pump operation in real-time, eliminating manual monitoring and adjustment tasks for the user, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If manual vacuum regulation is used, then users can control socket pressure, but user error and inconsistency increase due to subjective interpretation of gauge readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical dial pressure gauge with electronic pressure sensors and a microprocessor-based control system. This substitution eliminates subjective interpretation and user error, providing precise and objective measurement and control of vacuum levels. The electronic system consistently maintains accurate pressure readings and adjustments, improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electronic feedback from pressure sensors to continuously monitor and adjust vacuum levels with high precision. This objective feedback mechanism eliminates the subjectivity and inconsistency of manual gauge interpretation, ensuring accurate and consistent vacuum control without compromising ease of operation for the user.
5Device complexity
If a simple dial pressure gauge is used for monitoring, then the system remains simple, but the measurement range and accuracy are limited and gauges can malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single microprocessor-based system that combines electronic pressure sensing, activity sensing (accelerometer and gyroscope), and pump control. This multi-functional approach replaces the simple but limited dial gauge with a sophisticated electronic system that provides superior measurement precision and extended measurement ranges while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical dial pressure gauge with an electronic sensing and control system that provides superior measurement accuracy, extended measurement ranges, and enhanced reliability. The electronic system eliminates mechanical wear and malfunction issues while maintaining manageable complexity through integrated microprocessor control and sensor fusion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves a more consistent, secure, and comfortable attachment, reducing user effort and minimizing the risk of injury by automatically adjusting vacuum levels and providing accurate pressure monitoring, thus enhancing the usability and safety of prosthetic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pump mechanism arranged to be in fluid communication with the socket and operable to draw out of the socket and/or introduce air into the socket
Implementation Method 2
generating a negative pressure (vacuum) inside the socket
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
A vacuum suspension system (1) includes a prosthetic socket (5) adapted to receive a residual limb. A pump system (2) includes a pump mechanism (21) in fluid communication with the prosthetic socket (5), and at least one sensor (16, 27) associated with the prosthetic socket (5) and/or the pump mechanism (21). A control system (37) is operably connected to the pump mechanism (21) and the least one sensor (16, 27). The control system (37) is arranged to receive and process data from the at least one sensor (16, 27) and to actuate the pump mechanism (21) based on the received data from the at least one sensor (16, 27).